1 See an exhibition by a boundary-breaking artist. 

Renowned painter Fritz Scholder (Luiseño) created expressionist works that pushed the boundaries. He was known for breaking Native stereotypes and was one of the first professors at the Institute of American Indian Arts. A new exhibition of his work, Diversity of Brilliance, opens at LewAllen Galleries, in Santa Fe, on Friday. Showcasing more than 40 large paintings and works on paper, the show gives viewers a wide view of Scholder’s career and his dreamlike images, which changed contemporary Indigenous art. See the exhibition through November 22.

The Rio Grande Sky Fiesta lights up the northern valley with sunrise ascensions and glowing evening displays. Photograph courtesy of Bryce Risley.

2 Enjoy glowing balloons in a golden valley. 

Hot-air balloons take to the skies over the Río Grande and the agricultural meadows of northern New Mexico during the first-ever Rio Grande Sky Fiesta, happening Saturday and Sunday at the scenic Los Luceros Historic Site, in Alcalde. Balloon ascensions start at 7:15 a.m. (weather permitting). Kiddos can trick-or-treat on the historic grounds, the site’s restaurant Heritage Kitchen will make its debut, and lowriders and installations throughout the site are hosted by partners such as the Museum of International Folk Art. At 6 p.m. on Saturday, a balloon glow illuminates the valley.

Celebrate Indigenous heritage with music, dance, and cultural workshops at Albuquerque's Open Space Visitor Center. Photograph courtesy of City of Albuquerque.

3 Celebrate Indigenous heritage. 

Storytelling, dancing, live music, and hands-on activities are all part of the Indigenous Heritage Celebration at Open Space Visitor Center in Albuquerque on Saturday. Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., the party is created in collaboration with AMP Concerts and features a performance by Native indie synth-pop group Lindy Vision. There will be vendors, tea ceremonies, prayer circles, and a morning flute concert by William Clark from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

Catch "Dolores" at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. Photograph courtesy of Cory Weaver.

4 Attend an opera about an icon. 

Dolores Huerta is a living legend far beyond her roots here in New Mexico, where she was born in the former coal town of Dawson. A labor activist, feminist, and leader of the Chicano movement, Huerta co-founded the United Farm Workers in 1962 with César Chávez and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. 

Huerta’s story is the focus of a new opera, Dolores, by Opera Southwest, taking the stage at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, in Albuquerque, on Sunday. “This is not a biopic,” says Octavio Cardenas, director of the opera. “We are interested in representing the feeling of trying to make a change for the better, and the passion these characters had to make it happen.”  

Featuring compositions by Nicolás Lell Benavides, also a New Mexican, the opera travels through real history, Huerta’s dreams and nightmares, and America in the late 1960s. “The musical language of this opera is very accessible,” Cardenas says. “This could be a very good opera for a first timer.” Get tickets here.

Family-friendly fun and spooky folklore come alive during Spirits of New Mexico at El Rancho de las Golondrinas. Photograph courtesy of El Rancho de las Golondrinas.

5 Get a jump (scare) on Halloween celebrations.
 

Spirits of New Mexico, La Ciénega

Ghost stories are rich and plentiful in the Land of Enchantment, and they’re the focus of this annual event at El Rancho de las Golondrinas, just south of Santa Fe. The grounds transform into a spooky scene where visitors can listen to tales around little fires, enjoy beer and cider from New Mexico Hard Cider, and take part in family-friendly activities. It’s open Friday and Saturday evening, 5 to 9 p.m. Get tickets here.

Treats & Treasures Moonlit Market,Albuquerque

Shop Halloween-themed goods made by local artisans at this nighttime market at El Vado Motel, in Albuquerque. Every vendor will have candy, making it a great place to bring the kids to trick-or-treat. It’s open from 5 to 9 p.m.

Boo at the Zoo, Albuerqueque

Get into costume and head to the Albuquerque BioPark on Saturday to raise funds for the zoo at a Halloween-themed all-day party. It includes crafting stations, hands-on activities, games, face-painting and hair coloring at the “Beauty Shop of Horrors,” and trick-or-treating amid the wild animal exhibits. Zookeepers transform spaces, like the carousel and select animal habitats, into scary sights, and visitors can decorate pumpkins and other vet-approved items that the animals get to smash and stomp. You must buy tickets before you go; find them here.

Haunted Garden Walk, Santa Fe

The Santa Fe Botanical Garden hosts a frightful evening on Saturday when the grounds become a spooky scene featuring three scary stories, which visitors are led through by a ghoulish guide. Hot cider will warm you up, but these stories may leave you with a chill. Get tickets here.

Halloweekend, Los Alamos

Los Alamos goes all out this weekend to celebrate Halloween early, with events for kiddos and adults alike. On Friday, there’s Trick-or-Treat on MainStreet, which shuts down Central Avenue from 4 to 6 p.m. while local businesses dole out treats to costumed kiddos. The Pajarito Environmental Education Center hosts trick-or-treaters with sensory-friendly fun from 4 to 6 p.m. and a Halloween Carnival for teens at the Los Alamos Teen Center from 7 to 10 p.m. The ghoulishly good times continue Saturday with a pumpkin carving party at Fuller Lodge, and a haunted trail at Pueblo Canyon. And those are only a few of the spooky events happening this weekend. Find a full list here.   

Day of the Tread, Albuquerque

Work off all those candy calories during this Halloween and Day of the Dead–themed cycling and walking event in Albuquerque. Participants can choose from a 4k walk or a 6-, 12-, 18-, 23-, 47-, 55- or 100-mile ride in the Sawmill District. The event happens Sunday with a costume contest, recharge stations, music played on the route, and an after party at Sawmill Market. Register for the event here.

Trunk or Treat, Gallup

Fill your candy basket in Gallup at the Door Christian Fellowship Church, where more than 20 trunks overflow with treats. Ride the mechanical bull, jump in a bounce house, carve pumpkins, win a costume contest, enjoy tacos from food trucks, and sip free hot chocolate. The Trunk or Treat party starts on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Haunted River Walk, Farmington

Kids over the age of nine and thrill-seeking adults can take a spooky stroll along the Haunted River Walk at the River Edge Pumpkin Patch, in La Plata, near Farmington. Friday night’s theme is “alien abduction,” promising scary sights and spine-tingling sounds. Get tickets ahead of time; they’re more expensive at the door.

For more things to do, check out our online calendar of events.